‘Damage will last through the 21st century’

The writer of the May 21 letter headed “Drill, drill, and drill” suggests that various airline and other accidents are comparable to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The accidents, notwithstanding the pain and suffering to victims and survivors, are contained events. The enormity of the damage of the oil spill (and of Chernobyl) will last for decades. The catastrophic effects to the gulf’s fishing and tourism industries are already being felt. It is the damage to nature, to the mangroves that are the habitat to numerous species that will last through the 21st century.

A reassessment of our energy policy is needed, as it is the basis of the growth of industrial society. Mankind’s energy demands have caused serious harm to this planet. This is the only one we have at this time. It must be treated with care.

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